The president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, enthusiastically celebrated the first Oscar in the history of Brazilian cinema in the Best International Feature Film category, awarded to "Ainda Estou Aqui," the film by Walter Salles about the disappearances during the military dictatorship.
Lula shared his excitement through a message, highlighting the pride for national cinema, its artists, and Brazilian democracy. In his words, he expressed: "Today is a day to feel even more proud to be Brazilian. Long live Brazilian cinema, long live 'Ainda Estou Aqui'!".
The award, given at the 97th edition of the Oscar Awards, is a historic milestone for Brazil as it is the first time a national production has won the statuette in the Best International Feature Film category. Lula mentioned being very happy watching everything live with his wife, Janja.
Moreover, the president congratulated the cast and technical team of the film, mentioning Fernanda Torres, Fernanda Montenegro, Selton Mello, Marcelo Rubens Paiva, and his family, as well as all those who made the film possible. He described "Ainda Estou Aqui" as an extraordinary work that showed the world the importance of the fight against authoritarianism.
In his message, Lula emphasized the pride of Brazilian cinema, its artists, and above all, the democracy of the country.
